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  • Hankook is official tyre partner of Sepang 1000km (S1K) race, Malaysia Championship Series till 2026

    Hankook is official tyre partner of Sepang 1000km (S1K) race, Malaysia Championship Series till 2026

    The Petronas Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has announced a new partnership with Hankook as the official tyre partner for the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) and Sepang 1000km race (S1K) for a term of three years, from this year till 2026.

    “I am delighted to embark into this partnership with Hankook. We have seen increased interests and participation improvement in these championships. This partnership marks our on-going efforts in helping participants to better their performance on the racing track and this shall open more doors to other brands of motorsports to join us onboard. With Hankook’s wealth of experience in various forms of motorsports, I am looking forward to an exciting 2024 season,” said Azhan Shafriman Hanif, CEO of SIC.

    “We are extremely thrilled to return as the official tyre partner to the MCS and S1K. These exhilarating championships are important fixtures on the annual motorsport calendar for Malaysia and the entire region. Having worked with Petronas SIC on many projects for well over a decade, we have witnessed the many achievements by the circuit and organisers. We are confident that MCS and S1K will continue to develop as a vital platform for the motorsports industry, and are positive that Hankook will serve a pivotal pillar in that success,” said Hongsik Jeon, MD of HK Motorsports.

    Recognised as the most successful national championship for motorsports, MCS has been a viable and sustainable platform to unleash young talents and to advance their racing careers, SIC said. Meanwhile, Hankook is no stranger to supplying tyres for top-level racing, and is the official tyre supplier to Formula E.

    MCS is returning to Sepang with the season opener from May 3-5, followed by Round 2 on June 7-9. The series resumes with Round 3 in August and the season finale is scheduled for September 6-8. The famous endurance race that is the S1K will then cap the year on November 22-24.

     
  • Peninsular Malaysia electricity reserve margin of 28-36% projected; sufficient reserves for EV charging

    Peninsular Malaysia electricity reserve margin of 28-36% projected; sufficient reserves for EV charging

    The power reserve margin in Peninsular Malaysia has been projected to be between 28% and 36% from this year until 2030, which is above the minimum level necessary to cope with the demand for electricity in the event of supply disruptions at any power plants, and will provide sufficient reserves to cope with demand for charging electric vehicles, Bernama has reported.

    The forecast energy demand to supply industrial and electric transportation needs was discussed and approved at the JPPPET meeting last November, Akmal Nasrullah said.

    “For example, the projected electricity supply demand in Peninsular Malaysia for this year is 19,480 megawatts, and we expect it to reach 20,049 megawatts by 2030, which is an increase of about 2.9%,” he said.

    Factors contributing to this increase are growth in economic activity, industrial development such as the establishment of data centres, resumption of economic and social activities after the Covid-19 pandemic, and the higher projections for electric vehicles in the country.

    Peninsular Malaysia electricity reserve margin of 28-36% projected; sufficient reserves for EV charging

    This level of power reserve margin will be maintained according to the planning and implementation committee for electricity supply and tariff (JPPPET) in order to ensure that electricity supply costs are affordable, deputy energy transition and water transformation minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said.

    “The power reserve margin includes electricity generated by power plants operated by energy-generating companies utilising gas, coal and renewable energy sources. The electricity supply from fossil and non-fossil energy generation companies will undoubtedly create source diversification for electricity supply generation to ensure the safety of the national electricity supply system,” the minister said in the Dewan Rakyat in reply to Gombak member of parliament Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

    In terms of the EV charging network in Malaysia, investment, trade and industry (MITI) minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said last October that the nation is on track to attain its target of 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025, of which 9,000 will be AC chargers and 1,000 will be DC chargers.

     
  • Jaecoo J7 SUV going on tour of Klang Valley and JB – Pavilion Bukit Jalil today till Mar 23, launch in H1 2024

    Jaecoo J7 SUV going on tour of Klang Valley and JB – Pavilion Bukit Jalil today till Mar 23, launch in H1 2024

    The Jaecoo J7 is going on a tour of the Klang Valley and Johor Bahru. The roadshow schedule for the soon-to-be-launched SUV was revealed at a recent buka puasa media event hosted by the new brand, which will be marketed as a separate brand from Chery.

    The just-concluded first leg of the roadshow was a well-attended one at Desa Parkcity. From today till March 23, the Jaecoo J7 will be at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, before going to 1 Utama from April 10-14. After that, it’s MidValley Megamall from April 25-28 and Paradigm Mall JB from May 15-19.

    “Jaecoo is enjoying a lot of interest here in Malaysia. We believe that the Jaecoo brand is very much in line with Malaysia’s emerging group of trailblazers who enjoy an active lifestyle and appreciate a vehicle that performs on any terrain with an impressive off-road driving experience. And this is exactly what we aim to deliver,” said Jaecoo Malaysia president Leo Chen.

    “Jaecoo’s debut is timely as Malaysia experiences growing demand for SUVs. We believe Jaecoo is well positioned as a strong challenger in the C-segment SUV market, in line with the positive sentiments from prospect customers,” said VP Emily Lek.

    The J7 is powered by a 1.6 litre turbo-four engine with 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Size wise, the Jaecoo measures 4,500 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,680 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,672 mm. That around the size of a Toyota Corolla Cross and slightly smaller than the Mazda CX-5.

    There’s one point that sets the Jaecoo apart from many mainstream brand SUVs in the market today – its touted off-road capabilities. It has an All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS) with seven selectable terrain modes, recently put to the test at the Malaysia 4WD Training and Experience Centre (M4TREC). Other key stats include a ground clearance of 200 mm, wading depth of 600 mm, 21-degree approach angle and 29-degree departure angle. Max towing capacity is 1,300 kg, the roof load capacity is 75 kg, and boot volume is 412 litres.

    Jaecoo J7 SUV going on tour of Klang Valley and JB – Pavilion Bukit Jalil today till Mar 23, launch in H1 2024

    The preview vehicles were equipped with a head-up display with built-in front dashcam, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, climatised front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a powered tailgate and a panoramic sunroof. The SUV also comes with 64-colour ambient lighting and a 50W wireless charger with cooler.

    Jaecoo also claims 21 intelligent driving functions in the ADAS pack, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, just to name a few.

    No confirmed estimated price yet, but we’ve been told that the Jaecoo J7 will be priced close to the larger Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, which goes for RM159,800, and it will be CKD locally assembled from the start. Interestingly, another off-road-flavoured SUV from China is also coming soon, although the GWM Tank 300 has a very different outlook – think Jeep or Bronco versus the Jaecoo’s modern Range Rover-style.

    GALLERY: Jaecoo J7 preview in Malaysia

    GALLERY: Jaecoo J7 at M4TREC

     
  • Audi Q6 e-tron debuts – PPE 800V platform; up to 625 km EV range, 516 PS; coming to Malaysia in 2024

    Audi Q6 e-tron debuts – PPE 800V platform; up to 625 km EV range, 516 PS; coming to Malaysia in 2024

    The Audi Q6 e-tron has made its debut as the brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) to be built on the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which is an architecture also used by the latest Porsche Macan and the upcoming A6 e-tron. The Q6 e-tron has already been confirmed for Malaysia, with PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) revealing last March that the electric SUV will arrive here sometime in 2024.

    Measuring 4,771 mm long, 1,965 mm wide, 1,648 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,899, the new electric SUV slots in under the larger Q8 e-tron and offers seating for up to five passengers. The exterior design is deemed as “sporty, progressive and perfectly proportioned,” with highlight cues being a closed and inverted Singleframe grille and prominent air intakes.

    Lighting is also a major talking point for Audi, as the Q6 e-tron is the first to feature the company’s second-generation OLED technology. This is found on the rear taillights, with the number of segments per panel increased from six to 60 over the first generation. In total, the six OLED panels have a total of 360 segments, enabling for high-resolution visualisation.

    Meanwhile, the front headlamps have matrix LED technology and are arranged in a dual-tier setup with an upper daytime running light array, which have 70 individual LEDs. Customers will be able to choose from a variety of digital light signatures via the myAudi app or MMI infotainment system, with eight options being the standard – another six can be added on via cost options.

    Audi Q6 e-tron debuts – PPE 800V platform; up to 625 km EV range, 516 PS; coming to Malaysia in 2024

    Audi also points out the OLED taillights can communicate with the immediate surroundings via car-to-X technology, so the vehicle can warn other road users of accidents and breakdowns. They are also used to warn road users approaching from the rear and indicate the status of the vehicle’s parking assistant when active.

    Inside, the Q6 e-tron features the MMI panoramic display that is made up of an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit (digital instrument cluster) and 14.5-inch touchscreen. There’s also the MMI front passenger display measuring 10.9 inches that has an active privacy mode so as not to distract the driver when used.

    Audi also offers its second-generation augmented reality head-up display that can create the impression that visual elements are floating at a distance of up to 200 metres – these are tied to the car’s navigation, driver assistance and media functions. The AR HUD has a field of view corresponding to around 88 inches diagonally and is based on a new digital light processor with 1.3 million micromirrors.

    More tech features include the dynamic interaction light that sets the mood inside the cabin with a light strip containing 84 LEDs and shines with a brightness of up to 1,200 candela, along with an optional 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. As for the infotainment, it uses Android Automotive OS – another first for Audi – that provides access to Google services while also supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

    Audi Q6 e-tron debuts – PPE 800V platform; up to 625 km EV range, 516 PS; coming to Malaysia in 2024

    To manage the exterior lights, interior systems and more, the Q6 e-tron uses a new E³ 1.2 electronic architecture with five high-performance computers to cover all vehicle functions. Additionally, it provides the basis for fast software updates and upgrades.

    For those concerned about practicality, the SUV offers 526 litres of rear boot space that can be increased to 1,529 litres with the rear 40:20:40 split-folding seats down. Another 64 litres is also available in the frunk.

    In terms of powertrains, the Q6 e-tron will be offered in two variants with all-wheel drive. The first is simply known as the Q6 e-tron quattro that has a total system output of 387 PS (285 kW) in Europe for a 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds. In the United States, this variant has a higher nominal output of 428 PS (315 kW), which can go up to 462 PS (340 kW) with launch control active – the latter enables a 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) time of five seconds and the top speed is 210 km/h.

    Next up is the SQ6 e-tron that packs 489 PS (360 kW) and can deliver up to 516 PS (380 kW) with launch control. According to the US press release, the SQ6 e-tron will max out at 230 km/h and can get from 0-96 km/h in an estimated 4.2 seconds.

    The motors are powered by a battery pack that consists of 12 modules with a total of 180 prismatic cells – the 15 cells per module are connected in series. With a gross energy capacity of 100 kWh (94.9 kWh usable), Audi is touting a max range of up to 625 km (WLTP) for the base variant, while the SQ6 does up to 598 km. The company says a rear-wheel drive variant with a smaller battery (83 kWh gross and ten modules) will be introduced after the initial market launch with more range.

    With the PPE, the Q6 e-tron has an 800-volt electrical system that enables DC fast charging at a peak of 270 kW. This will get the battery from a 10-80% state of charge in 21 minutes with a compatible charging station, but when faced with one that works with 400-volt technology, the SUV can be bank-charged. As the company explains, the 800-volt battery is “divided” into two batteries at equal voltage, which can then be charged in parallel with up to 135 kW.

    For AC charging, the SUV can handle up to 11 kW as standard that “fills an empty battery overnight.” The carmaker will offer AC charging with 22 kW as an option at a later date that should reduce the charging time. To touch upon brake regeneration, Audi says the Q6 e-tron can recuperate up to 220 kW and claims around 95% of all everyday braking processes can be covered by regenerative braking.

    Both the Q6 e-tron quattro and SQ6 e-tron will be available to order in Europe from the end of March 2024 and start at 74,700 euros (RM383,820) and 93,800 euros (RM481,963) respectively. What do you think of Audi’s latest electric SUV? Are you looking forward to its arrival here to compete against the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, BMW iX and Tesla Model Y?

     
  • Penang Island city council considering two-hour parking limit to ease worsening traffic congestion

    Penang Island city council considering two-hour parking limit to ease worsening traffic congestion

    file image; MBSJ two-hour parking zone

    The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is considering limiting parking hours in selected areas of town, as well as the imposing of different hours for the loading and unloading by heavy vehicles as measures to relieve worsening traffic congestion on the island, The Vibes has reported.

    The Penang Island city council also plans to install two smart traffic lights along the Tanjong Tokong-Tanjung Bungah stretch, as well as near the Bayan Baru roundabout area by July, according to the report. The island needs a multi-pronged approach to addressing traffic congestion, said Penang Island mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran.

    Another way of addressing the issue of traffic congestion on the island is to boost public transportation, though pending the completion of new infrstructure including for the proposed LRT system, there is a need to fine-tune the traffic regulations now, Rajendran said.

    The measures will begin with MBPP proposing the limiting of parking at council parking lots to two hours at certain commercial areas in George Town, and owners of vehicles parked beyond that duration will be fined, the mayor said. In addition, heavy vehicles will no longer be permitted to load or unload during peak periods.

    Penang Island city council considering two-hour parking limit to ease worsening traffic congestion

    MBSJ two-hour parking zone

    The island’s city council hopes that the installation of smart traffic lights along the two routes can disperse traffic more effectively, and overcome long periods of waiting at traffic lights. “We are now fine-tuning the latest measures such as the parking limits and we hope to implement such regulations soon,” Rajendran said.

    The council is also working with public transport provider Rapid Penang to encourage more commuters to use public transport around town. “Not many people may know but public transport around Penang is mostly free for Malaysian commuters. The public needs to use more public transport instead of driving into town where there would be congestion,” Rajendran added.

    In the Klang Valley, a two-hour parking limit has been implemented by the Subang Jaya city council (MBSJ) from September 2022, as well as by the Petaling Jaya city council (MBPJ) from August 2023, which has since been expanded to cover Section 14 as well.

     
  • Lemon law study on effectiveness to explore loopholes in Consumer Protection Act 1999

    Lemon law study on effectiveness to explore loopholes in Consumer Protection Act 1999

    The government’s feasibility study on a possible lemon law will reportedly consider several loopholes under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599) to patch them up, according to Bernama. This is to ensure it can effectively resolve cases of repeated issues with newly-purchased products, such as vehicles.

    Such a study would review the definition of the consumer under the Act, which currently involves only domestic use and not commercial users, said deputy minister of the domestic trade and cost of living ministry (KPDN) Fuziah Salleh. This would bring regulations in line with what Proton wants – its deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said carmakers should also be protected as they rely on parts from vendors, which may be defective too.

    “We also will look at the lack of a governing body to look at consumer complaints and if we create regulations, we want them to be able to plug all those loopholes. Otherwise, we will consider having new laws,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. This was in response to a speech by Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan about the need for a lemon law to protect consumers, especially vehicle buyers.

    Lemon law study on effectiveness to explore loopholes in Consumer Protection Act 1999

    This comes after KPDN minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali confirmed a feasibility study will be carried out this year, which will consider lemon laws and best practices of several other countries. This was amid recent complaints regarding issues with newly-bought cars – most notably the viral incident surrounding a Perodua Bezza.

    In essence, a lemon law would allow customers of defective vehicles (or “lemons”) to seek compensation, either in the form of a replacement, a reduction of price or refund, or compensatory payment.

    “In Malaysia, legal provision based on Lemon Law relate to the compensation rights of consumers against suppliers or manufacturers if the product fails to comply with the guarantee set under Act 599,” Fuziah said.

    She added that over the past five years, KPDN’s consumer movement division received 261 complaints regarding vehicle quality problems involving newly-purchased new and used vehicles. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal received 502 cases involving new vehicles and 1,335 involving used vehicles, of which 493 and 1,120 have been resolved respectively.

     
  • Chery Malaysia opens new 3S centre in Kota Kinabalu

    Chery Malaysia opens new 3S centre in Kota Kinabalu

    Chery Malaysia has announced the opening of its latest Chery showroom and service centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, bringing the total number of Chery dealerships in the country to 40. Owned and operated by dealer-partner Universal Chery, the 3S centre is located at Lot 7, Jalan Limau Manis Off Jalan Lintas Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu.

    The 1,400 sq metre facility offers customers a comprehensive experience in vehicle viewing, customer service and maintenance. The showroom has a customer lounge, while the service centre features eight service bays. Staffed by trained Chery technicians, the service centre is capable of servicing up to 830 vehicles monthly.

    “We are thrilled to establish our presence here in Sabah, thus expanding our network further across Malaysia, providing more Malaysians with the opportunity to own our range of vehicles,” said Chery Malaysia VP Lee Wen Hsiang at the launch of the outlet.

    “This new showroom and service centre underscore our commitment to providing exceptional service and convenience to our customers in Sabah. We look forward to welcoming new customers to our brand and for them to experience the quality and reliability of our Chery vehicles,” he added.

    The Kota Kinabalu showroom is open daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm on Mondays to Fridays, from 8.30 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and from 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays and public holidays. As for the service centre, it’s open from 8 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday) and from 8 am to 3 pm on Saturdays, being closed on Sundays and public holidays.

     
  • Bridgestone Premium tyre retail outlet opened by Vogue Motorsports in USJ19, Subang Jaya

    Bridgestone Premium tyre retail outlet opened by Vogue Motorsports in USJ19, Subang Jaya

    Bridgestone Malaysia has announced the opening of its latest premium tyre retail outlet, Bridgestone Premium in USJ19, Subang Jaya that is operated by Vogue Motorsports.

    Located at No. 19, Jalan USJ19/4, 47630 Subang Jaya, the Vogue Motorsports-operated Bridgestone Premium outlet caters to vehicles ranging from passenger cars to ultra high performance vehicles, according to Bridgestone Malaysia, with tyre changing being the core of its operations.

    “The opening of the new Bridgestone Premium, Bridgestone’s innovative concept store, represents a pivotal moment in our commitment to delivering exceptional consumer experiences through our esteemed dealer. This milestone underscores Bridgestone’s dedication to elevating driving experiences through our premium-quality tyres, setting a new standard for excellence in the automotive industry,” said Bridgestone Malaysia MD Michael Chung.

    “This collaboration stands as a remarkable milestone for us. With the support from Bridgestone, we are committed to provide our best service to our customers with high quality products and services,” said Vogue Motorsports director Terrance Tee.

     
  • JPJ eBid: BRW and JWY number plates up for bidding

    JPJ has announced that BRW and JWY are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.

    Selangor’s latest running number series is ‘BRW’, and it opened for tender on March 16. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm tomorrow, March 20. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.

    Also available on JPJ eBid is the Johor series ‘JWY’. The bidding period started on March 15 and will close at 10pm tonight, March 19. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.

    New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.

     
  • Tesla FSD Beta V12 using neural network – AI trained on real video clips instead of pre-programmed codes

    Tesla FSD Beta V12 using neural network – AI trained on real video clips instead of pre-programmed codes

    Tesla has started rolling out its Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta v12 driver assistance suite, in one of the most anticipated updates to the Tesla’s Level 2 ADAS system which the electric carmaker hopes will eventually reach Level 4 or Level 5 functionality, Electrek has reported.

    The v12 iteration of Tesla’s FSD software introduces what CEO Elon Musk calls ‘end-to-end neural nets’, and the biggest difference here compared to previous versions of FSD is that the vehicle’s controls are now handled by neural nets, rather than coding that has been input by programmers.

    Tesla has been known for its efforts in building its cars’ self-driving capabilities using a vision-only approach, which solely relies on cameras as opposed to using a combination of other types of sensors such as lidar and radar, as camera-based systems have been found to be less costly. More about AI-powered self-driving systems, here.

    Tesla FSD Beta V12 using neural network – AI trained on real video clips instead of pre-programmed codes

    Tesla Model Y in Malaysia

    This v12 update of the Full Self Driving software was meant to have been released last year, however it was delayed, and though updates began rolling out in January this year, it was only to a few customers, Electrek reported.

    A wide release of FSD v12 was delayed several times, the website noted, as new versions of the software were still only released to Tesla employees as selected customers. This has finally changed, with many Tesla owners now reporting that they have received a new software update that includes FSD v12.3, the site noted, adding that the latest version is still listed as a Beta release.

    Tesla FSD Beta V12 using neural network – AI trained on real video clips instead of pre-programmed codes

    Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia

    A reader comment on the Electrek article offered feedback, stating that they have received the v12 FSD update in their vehicle. The commenter notes that the updated system is “better at basic manoeuvres, but no work has been done on lane selection, or updating the bad map data” in their area.

    The user elaborates that they allowed the system to miss an exit because it was in the wrong lane, then the system took a turn lane at an intersection sooner than it was supposed to. The user suggested that “if they work on fixing lane selection logic and map data, that would make a huge difference,” but also noted that “at least it didn’t do anything dangerous.”

    In Malaysia, Full Self Driving has been offered for customers of the Model Y in the country from July last year, ahead of the brand’s launch in this market. For fans of the assisted driving technology, how many of you have purchased the RM32,000 FSD option in Malaysia? How has it been functioning so far? Let us know in the comments.

     
  • 2024 Maserati Grecale Folgore – brand’s first EV SUV; 557 PS, 820 Nm, 105 kWh battery, up to 501 km range

    2024 Maserati Grecale Folgore – brand’s first EV SUV; 557 PS, 820 Nm, 105 kWh battery, up to 501 km range

    The Maserati Grecale Folgore is the all-electric version of the company’s Porsche Macan fighter which made its debut two years ago. Launched as the brand’s second electric vehicle (EV) after the GranTurismo Folgore, the Grecale Folgore only comes in one trim level as opposed to internal combustion engine (ICE) models that are available in GT, Modena and Trofeo trims.

    While the Grecale Folgore looks similar to the ICE equivalents, there are some distinctive cues to set it apart. As an example, the front grille features slim oval cutouts instead of vertical slats, while the corner intakes on the front bumper are body-coloured. You’ll also notice the lack of tailpipes and a revised rear diffuser that has inserts that hide two loudspeakers for the mandated sounds to warn pedestrians of an incoming EV.

    More work was required to fit the electric powertrain, as Car and Driver reported. For the battery, Maserati engineers reworked the floor pan to fit a skateboard-style battery pack that is made up of 33 modules.

    With a gross energy capacity of 105 kWh (96.7 kWh usable), the pack has 29 of its modules laid out in a flat rectangle and four more placed a level above behind the rear seat. In order to ensure the interior dimensions match those of the ICE model while preserving aerodynamic efficiency, the floor is lowered so the Folgore’s ground clearance is 170 mm instead of 211 mm.

    Operating on a 400-volt electrical architecture, the Grecale Folgore has two electric motors that provide a total system output of 557 PS (550 hp or 410 kW) and 820 Nm of torque. These figures allow for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h, which places the Maserati EV between the ICE Grecale Modena and Trofeo or Macan 4 and Macan Turbo in terms of performance.

    The Italian carmaker claims a range of 501 km following the WLTP standard, and the Grecale Folgore supports DC fast charging at a max capacity of 150 kW to get the battery from a 20-80% state of charge in 29 minutes. Slower AC charging is capped at 22 kW that can recover 100 km of range in an hour.

    2024 Maserati Grecale Folgore – brand’s first EV SUV; 557 PS, 820 Nm, 105 kWh battery, up to 501 km range

    For equipment, the Folgore comes with adaptive dampers and air springs, wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches (the smallest provides the most range), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.8-inch comfort display (for climate controls), wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an intelligent assistant as well as a 14- or 19-speaker sound system.

    There are also four different driving modes to cycle through, including Max Range, GT, Sport and Offroad. Drivers will get access to the Grecale Folgore’s full power output in Sport, while GT limits things to 80% and Max Range to 75%, or 50% if the power limiter is activated.

    The interior is very similar to the ICE model aside from EV-specific pages for the infotainment system and paddle shifters that control four stages of regeneration instead of changing gears. Recycled and sustainable materials such as Econyl and Feeltek leather are used to cover various areas of the cabin too.

     
  • Xpeng to launch new mass-market EV brand soon – models set to be priced from RM65k to RM100k

    Xpeng to launch new mass-market EV brand soon – models set to be priced from RM65k to RM100k

    Xpeng P5.

    Chinese premium electric-vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng is planning to launch a mass market brand very soon, with the new entity aimed at taking the fight to market leader BYD, the South China Morning Post reports.

    According to Xpeng co-founder and CEO He Xiaopeng, models under the new brand will be priced between 100,000 yuan (RM65,550) and 150,000 yuan (RM98,320) and cater to more budget-conscious consumers, marking a departure from the segment the company is now playing in.

    Revealing the plan during the China EV 100 Forum in Beijing last weekend, He said that the brand will first introduce a compact EV at a price range of between 100,000 and 150,000 yuan. “In the future, cars with the same prices might be developed into fully-autonomous vehicles,” he added.

    Xpeng to launch new mass-market EV brand soon – models set to be priced from RM65k to RM100k

    Xpeng P7.

    The model, which will come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, will be aimed at global markets. No other details about the car or the brand were ventured, although a side silhouette of a sedan was shown in one of the presentation slides. According to CnEVPost, the new brand, reportedly codenamed Mona, will be developed with the assistance of ride-hailing firm Didi Global.

    Meanwhile, Xpeng confirmed He’s remarks and said in a statement that the company envisions slashing the development and production costs of autonomous driving technology by 50# this year. At present, Xpeng – which is set to enter Malaysia under Bermaz Auto – assembles models such as the P5, P7, P7i, G6, G9 and X9, all priced above 200,000 yuan (RM131,100).

    The SCMP report adds that Xpeng’s announcement follows on the heels of Shanghai-based Nio’s decision to launch cheaper models after BYD began cutting the prices of nearly all of its models in February to maintain its leading position. Last week, Nio CEO William Li said that the company will unveil details of its mass-market brand Onvo in May.

     
  • India reveals new EV policy to boost Tesla’s entry – lower EV import tax rate with investment, CKD plans

    India reveals new EV policy to boost Tesla’s entry – lower EV import tax rate with investment, CKD plans

    After months of lobbying for Tesla to set up shop in India, the country’s government recently announced a new electric vehicle (EV) policy that will support the entry of the American EV maker as well as other interested companies.

    Under the new policy, import taxes will be lowered on certain EVs produced by carmakers that commit to invest at least USD500 million (about RM2.35 billion). Additionally, they will also be granted a three-year period to establish local manufacturing facilities for electric vehicles (EVs) and must ensure that at least 25% of the components are procured within India by the third year – this goes up to 50% by the fifth year.

    Companies that meet these requirements will be allowed to import up to 8,000 EVs with a minimum cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of USD35,000 (about RM165k) or more a year at a lower tax rate of 15%. This is a considerable advantage as taxes on imported cars in India range from 70% to 100% depending on their value.

    EV imports at the lower tax rate will be allowed for a maximum of five years. The duty foregone would be limited to the investment made by the company or around USD800 million (about RM3.8 billion), whichever is lower, reports Reuters.

     
  • Tesla begins offering LFP EV battery retrofit for earlier Model 3 vehicles under warranty in United States

    Tesla begins offering LFP EV battery retrofit for earlier Model 3 vehicles under warranty in United States

    2020 Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia

    Tesla has reportedly started retrofits of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs to earlier versions of the Model 3 electric vehicle which are still under warranty, according to Electrek.

    According to the report, several Tesla owners have received communication from Tesla, offering them the LFP battery pack that brings the advantages of increased range, the recommended daily maximum state of charge of 100% compared to the previous battery’s 80% recommended SoC, as well as optimised energy capacity retention over time, even when charging the battery to 100% every day.

    The letter from the Tesla service centre also stated that the newer LFP battery pack is heavier, and thus requires an upgrade of the vehicle’s rear springs and dampers to ensure that “the vehicle dynamics will stay optimal”. Tesla owners who choose to receive the battery upgrade will need to agree to the suspension upgrade, which also includes four-wheel alignment.

    The heavier LFP battery pack will also have an effect on acceleration, which the letter from Tesla says increase the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time by around 0.5 second. Based on UK-based specifications of the 2020 Model 3, the Standard Range variant does 381 km on the WLTP cycle, while the Long Range does up to 580 km on the same test protocol.

    For comparison, the latest iteration of the Model 3, the ‘Highland’ facelift is rated for a maximum of 513 km (WLTP) and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds in Standard RWD guise, or up to 629 km (WLTP) and 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds in dual-motor, Long Range AWD form.

     
  • Zeekr reportedly plans to sell EVs in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Philippines this year – Malaysia next?

    Zeekr reportedly plans to sell EVs in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Philippines this year – Malaysia next?

    A Zeekr spokesperson has said the company plans to set up operations in Thailand and cooperate with local distributors to begin selling electric vehicles (EVs) in the first half of this year, reports Reuters.

    Founded in 2021, Zeekr is owned by Geely and currently has the 001, 007, 009 and X in its line-up. In addition to Thailand, the spokesperson told the news outlet that the carmaker has also signed contracts with local distributors in Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines, with sales in these markets said to begin in the second quarter of 2024.

    Zeekr’s reported expansion into Southeast Asia comes following another report last November where the company announced it was developing right-hand drive cars with plans to begin customer deliveries this year. Entries into Hong Kong and Singapore as well as Europe, the Middle East and in Central Asia have also been announced.

    As for Malaysia, there’s no official word if the Zeekr brand plans to come here, although there is a possibility of this happening. Zeekr has said it intends to accelerate its NEV plans for the near future, following prior queries for official comment from Proton and Pro-Net. Would you be interested in Zeekr EVs to be sold here?

     
 
 
 

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